Effect of hyaluronic acid on polymorphonuclear leucocyte cell surface properties

Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) were incubated with hyaluronic acid (HA), and then characterized with respect to their surface properties. Surface analysis was achieved by partitioning in systems of dextran and poly(ethylenglycol) (PEG), with part of the PEG exchanged for positively charged trimethylamino-PEG or hydrophobic PEG-palmitate. The results indicate that HA caused increased exposure of hydrophobic and of negatively charged groups on the PMNL surface. These findings may be relevant for the biological effects of HA on PMNL function and cell-cell interactions.